Chapter 441: Heeding Advice
Chapter 441: Heeding Advice
After swimming in the sea for almost an hour, Lu Jiaxin climbed back onto the yacht, exhausted from the activity. Nie Zhan, who was swimming alone, found it boring and followed suit.
Changing into dry clothes, the couple lounged on the deck. Lu Jiaxin suggested, "Zhan, let's go to the Maldives for a vacation when you have some time off. We can go scuba diving and explore the coral reefs and marine life there."
The Maldives truly boasted breathtaking scenery and crystal blue waters. It was a pity that they hadn't prepared well during their last visit and missed the opportunity to dive and explore the underwater world.
"Sure," Nie Zhan agreed.
The sea breeze was soothing, especially when the yacht was stationary. However, as they started their return journey, the wind picked up, causing Lu Jiaxin's hair to whip wildly. Tired from the day's activities, she retired to the cabin for some rest.
Nie Zhan watched as she quickly fell asleep, marveling at her ability to doze off so easily. He poured himself a glass of water and stepped out, calling Gu Wenfeng to join him on the deck. He inquired about Lu Jiaxin's recent activities in the mainland.
Gu Wenfeng provided a concise summary of the places they had visited and then offered a suggestion. "Mr. Nie, our boss enjoys hiking. You could take her hiking on the weekends sometimes."
Nie Zhan nodded, then asked, "Has Jiaxin's relationship with her father improved?"
Gu Wenfeng pondered for a moment before replying, "Essentially, it's the same as before. However, I believe Lu Hongjun has come to his senses and no longer makes excessive demands, so the boss hasn't argued with him lately."
"Mr. Nie, the culture in the mainland is different from that in Hong Kong. In the mainland, people believe that parents can do no wrong. So, no matter how much the boss dislikes Lu Hongjun, she will still visit him when she's in the mainland, and she'll have to support him in the future as well."
Nie Zhan understood. Lu Hongjun must have realized the futility of his actions and decided to stop provoking Jiaxin. For his own comfort in the latter half of his life, he would still have to rely on Jiaxin's support.
Gu Wenfeng added, "Mr. Nie, our boss's fifth brother, Lu Jiajie, went to Russia, and we haven't heard from him since. The boss has been worried and even had nightmares about him being tortured. She wants to send someone to Russia to search for Lu Jiajie, but we haven't found a suitable person yet."
He thought that Nie Zhan, with his extensive connections and wide social circle, might know someone with ties to Russia.
"Does Jiaxin have any photos of him?" Nie Zhan asked.
"Yes, she brought several photos of him, all taken last year," Gu Wenfeng replied.
As they docked, they unexpectedly ran into a familiar face—Feng Qinglei. He was surprised to see Nie Zhan out at sea on such a busy day, but his confusion turned to understanding when he spotted Lu Jiaxin standing behind him.
With a furrowed brow, Nie Zhan asked, "Are you going out to sea tonight?"
"We're going night fishing," Feng Qinglei explained with a smile. "Miss Lu, if you're interested, why don't you join us, along with Nie Zhan?"
Lu Jiaxin glanced at the two scantily clad beauties on Feng Qinglei's yacht and shook her head. "I'm sorry, but I'm quite tired today and would like to head back to rest early."
Feng Qinglei was easygoing. "Then let's plan something for next time."
After they parted ways, Lu Jiaxin teased, "Night fishing with two beauties, that Feng Qinglei knows how to enjoy life. Zhan, aren't you envious?"
Nie Zhan gently rubbed her nose and said, "No mischief. He has his way of life, and I have mine. Having you in my life is enough; I won't envy anyone else."
Although Lu Jiaxin knew better than to take his sweet words at face value, she still felt warm and fuzzy inside.
By the time they reached home, it was already past six in the evening. Instead of going for a run, Lu Jiaxin opted for a yoga session, working up a sweat. After a brief rest, she drew herself a relaxing bath.
As she stepped out of the tub, she found Nie Zhan perusing a financial magazine.
Sitting in front of her vanity, Lu Jiaxin asked as she wiped her face, "If I recall correctly, Man Sang Properties has two properties that are about to go on sale, right?"
Nie Zhan folded the magazine and smiled, "The one in Causeway Bay will be launched next month, and the one in Mong Kok will be launched in mid-August. Why? Are you planning to buy a place for Xue Mao?"
With a furrowed brow, Lu Jiaxin said, "Didn't you say that the stock market is overheated and you're worried about a crash? Why don't you come up with some promotions for these two properties and try to sell them quickly to recoup your investment?"
Nie Zhan's expression turned serious. "Jiaxin, have you received some insider information?"
Lu Jiaxin laughed, "What insider information could I possibly get? You know everyone I know. I just felt uneasy after remembering what you said. I think it would be best to sell these two properties as soon as possible and use the funds to repay loans, so you don't have banks knocking on your door later on."
Man Sang Properties had a debt-to-asset ratio of 48%. Nie Zhan was a conservative entrepreneur who usually kept his debt ratio below 30%. It was only because of Lu Jiaxin's influence that he had twice raised funds through rights issues and also borrowed heavily from banks, using the money to buy land. With the property market heating up again, Man Sang Properties now had a market value of 2.8 billion.
Although Nie Zhan was not superstitious, he had heard that some people were very perceptive and would have a premonition when danger was approaching. He nodded and said, "I'll call a meeting tomorrow and ask them to come up with a better plan to sell the houses within three months."
Lu Jiaxin nodded and said, "Zhan, if everyone in Hong Kong starts speculating in the stock market, I'll transfer my 2% stake in Man Sang Properties."
She wanted to raise as much money as possible and then make a big bet. Once she earned enough money, she could proceed with her subsequent plans.
Nie Zhan said dotingly, "If you want to sell, just sell. You don't have to tell me."
Lu Jiaxin smiled and said, "How could I not tell you? You're not just the boss of Man Sang Properties, you're also my boyfriend! Transferring my shares is a big deal, so I definitely have to let you know. Otherwise, if you hear about it from someone else, you might think we've had a falling out."
Nie Zhan was delighted and couldn't help but walk over to hug and kiss her.
Lu Jiaxin was not in the mood for such antics and pushed him away, saying, "Stop goofing around and let's talk about something serious."
Ever since the two of them became intimate, this guy had not only become extra clingy but also very affectionate, often showering her with kisses. Sometimes she felt like he had turned into a kissing maniac.
Nie Zhan felt helpless. Feng Qinglei always complained that his girlfriends were too clingy and wanted to break up after a few months of dating. But his girlfriend was completely different; she always seemed too busy, and it was he who wanted them to spend every moment together.
"Go on, I'm listening," Nie Zhan said.
Lu Jiaxin had lost her enthusiasm for the topic and, after finishing her skincare routine, climbed into bed. "It's already past eight. You have to work tomorrow, so you should get some sleep."
Nie Zhan followed her into bed and turned off the lamp. But as soon as he snuggled into the blanket, he pulled Lu Jiaxin into his arms and started kissing her, his hands wandering unrestrainedly. It was only eight o'clock; the night had just begun, and he wasn't ready to sleep yet!
After messing around until past ten, Lu Jiaxin was too exhausted to even lift a finger. She mumbled with her eyes half-closed, "Tomorrow, go back to your own place. You're not allowed to stay here anymore."
There was a hint of coquettishness in her voice, making the threat completely ineffective.
Nie Zhan looked at her lovingly and, after giving her a kiss, said, "Baby, I have a university classmate from Moscow. I'll ask him to help look for Lu Jiajie."
Lu Jiaxin was already asleep and didn't hear a word he said.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
